Shaqiri: Guardiola counts on me

by Trim on June 28, 2013

It was at the age of two when he moved from Kosovo to Switzerland along with his family. On Thursday, June 27, he returned to his homeland as a European champion. Xherdan Shaqiri, the man who lifted three trophies with FC Bayern München last season, is currently on a short stay in Kosovo, having arrived mainly for private reasons.

Always under “supervision” of his big brother and agent Erdin, a humble and cheerful Xherdan took a little time to talk to BayernZone’s administrator Trim on his achievements and his future.

“Last season was a very successful one. I hope to develop further as a player under new coach (Pep) Guardiola. I do not intend to leave Bayern, as I have heard that Guardiola counts on me. I will continue to give my best and prove myself, just like last year”, said Shaqiri, who is set to return to training with the team on Monday.

Asked whether he could become Guardiola’s next (Lionel) Messi, the Kosovo-born midfielder answered: “Messi is a player of a higher level. He is the best in the world. However, I will continue to work hard at Bayern to improve as a player as much as possible and to give my best for the club”.

Meanwhile, the agent of the Swiss national team player revealed that the he will visit Kosovo again in a few weeks. “All I can say is that Xherdan will return to Kosovo again in August”, Erdin Shaqiri said. “He will hold a press conference in Prishtina”, he added, without explaining the main purpose of the event.

Kosovo’s most successful club, FC Prishtina, on June 15 organized a friendly match against a selection of Kosovan footballers who play abroad. Players such as Valon Behrami and Granit Xhaka, Shaqiri’s teammates from the Swiss national team, were present, but not Xherdan himself. Bayern’s number 11 explained that he received a late invitation; otherwise he would have joined the group.

Lastly, he commented regarding the raise of the Kosovan flag in Wembley, the night he won the Champions League title with Bayern. “It was a special feeling and I wanted to represent the people of Kosovo”, he concluded.